Rows of greenery and flowers lined the tables inside the Floral Design Training Center as American Institute of Floral Design students spent Wednesday and Thursday creating floral arrangements for WKU’s graduation.
Students from various majors have come together for 15 years to participate in the floral certificate program. Once their creations are complete, students receive payment from customers who order. Money goes towards funding trips and the program itself.
Roger Dennis, clinical assistant professor of horticulture and director of the floral design and training center, has led the creation of the arrangements and the floral design program since its beginning.
The floral arrangements are centered around WKU’s colors –of red and white. Dennis said the design and shape of the arrangements will frame the stage as graduates walk across to receive their diplomas.
“It’s kind of a cascade effect that comes off of the stage, so it looks like a little waterfall coming off the stage itself,” Dennis said.
Arrangement materials are transported from different parts of the world. This year, the greenery is transported from Florida, and the flowers from Ecuador.
Dennis said preparing for graduation gives students experience in making floral arrangements on a larger scale than usual.
“There’s not too many times that you get to do several feet of arrangements that all go together,” Dennis said.
Dennis said making the arrangements is special for seniors who participate, because it symbolizes the completion of their horticulture education at WKU.
Senior Kenzley Allara has been a part of the process for two years.
“Being able to do this, especially for this year, because we’re graduating, is just something special,” Allara said.
Allara said the opportunity sets her up for her future career in floral design.
“It’s truly everything, like this is what I want to do with my life,” Allara said. “So, having the ability and the opportunity to do this is amazing.”
Allara said allowing students to be a part of the creation keeps the focus on students themselves.
Allara will graduate walking the stage lined with floral arrangements she made.
“It’s special for them because they’re sitting there, in their cap and gown, and their parents are sitting up in the stands, and they’re looking down at something that their student actually created,” Dennis said.
